Product Conveyance System For An Agricultural Implement

ABSTRACT

An inductor assembly is configured to be attached in flow communication to receive a flow of product from a storage hopper of a product conveyance system. The product conveyance system includes a forced fluid source mounted thereon and operable to provide a forced fluid stream to the inductor assembly. The inductor housing includes an inlet configured to direct a first portion of the forced fluid stream in a path to engage the flow of product so as to generate the combined stream of forced fluid and product. The inductor assembly further includes multiple inductor segments, wherein each inductor segments defines at least one conduit having an inlet and an outlet. One or more of the inlets may be configured to restrict air and product flow therethrough.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a product conveyance system for conveyingproduct in an agricultural environment and, more particularly, relatesto a planting implement with an improved inductor assembly for conveyingseed and other particulate material to a planting unit for applicationin an agricultural environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, agricultural implements have employed forced airconveyance systems to deliver seed, fertilizer and herbicides. As thesize of these agricultural implements continues to grow, the versatilityof such implements becomes more significant. In particular, large aircarts or air seeders have become increasingly popular for conveyingseed, fertilizer and other product without strict regard for the exactplacement of the product. Typically, these large air carts are used fordry land farming (e.g., cereal crops, etc.).

For certain crop planting applications that require row crop planting orseed singulation (e.g., corn, soybean, etc.), the air cart can becombined with an inductor assembly adapted to feed seed or other productfrom a larger storage hopper into smaller reservoirs located at on-rowplanting units, also referred to as singulators or receivers. Thecombined air cart and inductor assembly enables a farmer to singulateplanting of seeds on-row from one central hopper filling location.Thereby, the nurse inductor assembly and air cart allows a farmer toplant more acreage before having to stop to fill the central hopperagain, resulting in quicker planting and less labor while maintainingthe precision spacing available by on-row singulation.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,693 discloses a nurse inductor assembly in flowcommunication with a storage hopper of seed mounted on an air cart. Theair cart includes a fan to provide a forced air stream through theinductor assembly. The forced air stream is directed by the inductorassembly to a general location of a seed mass delivered from the storagehopper. The forced air stream engages the seed mass, entraining the seedinto the air stream. A movable seed control gate is configured toregulate an angle of repose of a surface of the seed mass, which affectsthe entrainment of the seed into the forced air stream. The inductorassembly conveys the combined stream of forced air and seed through aseries of inductor sections that each leads to an isolated inductordistribution tube and ultimately to a distribution line leading toassociated series of remote receivers for application of the seed in anagricultural field. When the receiver is full of seed, the air stream isrestricted from escaping the receiver and ultimately reduces thecapacity of the air stream at the inductor assembly to induce the seedinto the inductor distribution tubes.

This nurse inductor assembly has several drawbacks. For example, thevelocity of the combined stream of air and seed product through thedistribution line slows as the stream encounters the increasedresistance associated with traveling through the deposited seed productat the receiver. If allowed to be induced into the distribution linesbelow the minimum carrying velocity, the seed product causes blocking ofthe seed distribution lines. Any seed product that had been entrainedinto the slower flowing air stream drops out under the force of gravity.A certain quantity of dropped seed product will deposit toward lowpoints in the distribution lines, increasing plugging opportunities.Another drawback of this nurse inductor assembly is that the movablegate is difficult to adjust for various products of different sizes andproperties, which can cause uneven product flow to the receivers and/orplugging opportunities in the inductor assembly or distribution lines.Also, the interference of the seed control gate to the flow of thecombined stream of air and seed will cause the seed to bridge across theinductor chamber of the inductor apparatus and inhibit the entrainmentof seed into the forced air stream.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,029 to Johnson et al., and assigned to CNH America,LLC, the assignee of the present application, and the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference, describes an inductorassembly for a product conveyance system that overcomes many of thedrawbacks of prior art inductor assemblies or “inductor boxes” such asthat described in the '693 patent. More particularly, the patent toJohnson et al. describes an inductor assembly for forced air conveyanceof product that provides sufficient carrying capacity to convey seedthrough a distribution line to a remotely located receiver.

Notwithstanding the benefits provided an inductor assembly such as thatdescribed by Johnson et al., there remains a need for uniformity of thecombined stream of air and product across the inductor assembly and intothe distribution lines. That is, many inductor assemblies contain aseries of inductor segments, with each inductor segment generallycomprised of an upper conduit and a lower conduit. Each conduit has arespective inlet and a respective outlet, and each inlet is designed toreceive a combined product and forced air stream that is passed throughits corresponding outlet. In a typical configuration, the length of theconduits is not uniform, which can result in a pressure differentialacross the profile of the inductor segments. In general, the flow ratethrough the shorter conduits is greater than the flow rate through thelonger conduits. As a result, more product may be conveyed through somedistribution lines than conveyed through others, which can ultimatelylead to an uneven distribution of product to the individual on-rowunits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an inductor assembly configured to beattached in flow communication to receive a flow of product from astorage hopper of a product conveyance system. The product conveyancesystem further includes a forced fluid source operable to provide aforced fluid stream to the inductor assembly. The inductor assemblyincludes an inductor housing configured to receive a flow of productfrom the storage hopper. The inductor housing includes an inletconfigured to direct a first portion of the forced fluid stream in apath to engage the flow of product so as to generate the combined streamof forced fluid and product. The inductor assembly further includesmultiple inductor segments, wherein each inductor segments defines atleast one conduit having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the atleast one conduit is located to receive the combined stream of forcedfluid and product

The present invention therefore is directed to an apparatus forcontrolling the flow rate through the various conduits such that adesired flow rate pattern in a single inductor segment or acrossmultiple inductor segments is realized. In one preferred implementation,one or more of the conduit inlets is fitted with an orifice plate havingan opening through which the combined forced air and product stream maybe passed. The inlets fitted with such an orifice plate have arestricted air flow characteristic when compared to those inlets notfitted with such an orifice plate. Thus, through judicious use of suchorifice plates, a desired air flow profile for the inductor assembly, orindividual inductor segments, can be defined.

In one preferred embodiment, the inductor segments associated withshorter distribution lines are fitted with such orifice plates to slowdown the flow rate characteristic of the shorter distribution lines andtherefore provide for a more uniform air flow velocity across thedistribution lines. The size of the opening in the orifice plate can beselected based on the amount of air flow restriction that is desired.Furthermore, the orifice plates may be machined with the conduit inletsor take the form of an insert that is secured to the inlets.

The conduits of a single inductor segment may have orifice plates ateach inlet or, alternately, only one of the conduits of the inductorsegment may have an orifice plate depending upon the desired flow ratecharacteristics for the inductor segment. For that matter, one or moreof the inductor segments of the inductor assembly may not be fitted withany orifice plates and thus the flow rate characteristics of thedistribution lines for those inductor segments would be unchanged.

In a further preferred inductor assembly, motive air, such as thatprovided by a fan, is provided to the inductor assembly through an upperair inlet and a lower air inlet. Air received through the upper airinlet is designed to increase the volume of air that is provided to thedistribution lines and air that passes through the lower air inlet isdesigned to fluidize product into the air stream that is created by theair that passes through the upper air inlet. In this preferred inductorassembly, an air flow restrictor is mounted to the inductor assembly andis designed to alter the size of the lower air inlet across the width ofthe lower air inlet. The restrictor, which in one form is a restrictorplate mounted to the inductor assembly generally adjacent the lower airinlet, reduces the size of the lower air inlet at certain points alongthe lower air inlet. This effectively restricts air flow through certainportions of the lower air inlet to reduce the air flow rate throughthose certain portion of the lower air inlet.

Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, an inductorsegment is provided that defines a first conduit and a second conduit,the first conduit having a first inlet and a first outlet, and thesecond conduit having a second inlet and a second outlet. The secondoutlet of the second conduit is stacked above the first outlet of thefirst conduit, and in a like manner, the second inlet of the secondconduit is generally stacked above the first inlet of the first conduit.One of the inlets has an opening through which the combined forced airand product stream passes that is sized differently than the opening ofthe other one of the inlets. Thus, air flow through the one inlet,relative to the other one of the inlets, is restricted.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an inductor assemblyis provided for conveying product in a storage hopper of a plantingimplement for application in an agricultural field. The plantingimplement includes a forced fluid source operable to provide a forcedfluid stream. The inductor assembly includes an inductor housingconfigured to receive the flow of product from the storage hopper. Theinductor housing includes an inlet to direct the forced fluid stream ina direction toward the flow of product so as to generate the combinedstream of forced fluid and product. The inductor assembly furtherincludes a first inductor segment that defines at least one firstconduit in flow communication to receive the combined stream of forcedfluid and product generated in the inductor housing. The inductorassembly also includes at least one second inductor segment that definesat least one conduit in flow communication to receive the combinedstream of forced fluid and product generated in the inductor housing.The at least one first conduit has a first inlet and the at least onesecond conduit has a second inlet. The sizes of the first and the secondinlets are different such that the flow rate through the first and thesecond inlets are different from one another.

According to another aspect of the invention, a mobile air cart includesa product conveyance system configured to distribute a supply of productin an agricultural environment. The product conveyance system includes ahopper configured to contain the supply of product, a forced air sourceoperable to provide a stream of force air, a distribution system, and aninductor assembly. The distribution system is configured to convey acombined stream of product and forced air to a planting unit forapplication of the product in the agricultural environment. The inductorassembly is configured to generate the combined stream of forced air andproduct. The inductor assembly includes an inductor housing configuredto receive a flow of product from the storage hopper. The inductorhousing includes an inlet configured to direct a first portion of theforced air stream in a path to engage the flow of product delivered fromthe storage hopper in such a manner as to generate the combined streamof forced fluid and product. The inductor assembly further has a firstinductor segment that defines at least one conduit having an inlet andan outlet and at least one second inductor segment also defining atleast one conduit having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the firstconduit is located in flow communication to receive the combined streamof forced fluid and product. Similarly, the inlet of the second conduitis located in flow communication to receive the combined stream offorced fluid and product. The inlet of the first conduit has an inletsize that is different than the inlet size of the inlet of the secondconduit. Thus, the flow rates through the first and second inlets differfrom one another.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however,that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent likeparts throughout.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a side elevation view of an air cart incombination with an inductor assembly in accordance with one aspect ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a front view of a planter associatedwith the air cart and inductor assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an isometric view of the inductorassembly of in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of theinductor assembly along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 in combination with thestorage hopper.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an interior view of the inductorassembly shown in FIG. 3, with a portion of the inductor housingremoved.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a front elevation view of the inductorassembly shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a front elevation view of the inductorassembly shown in FIG. 4 with a lower air inlet cover removed.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an exploded view an inductor segment ofthe inductor assembly shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A wide variety of inductor assemblies for conveying product with forcedfluid, e.g., air, could be constructed in accordance with the inventiondefined by the claims. Hence, while preferred embodiments of theinvention will now be described with reference to a product conveyed byan air cart, it should be understood that the invention is in no way solimited. The type of conveyance system or machine (e.g., air seeder,row-crop planter, spreader, etc.) can vary. The description generallyrefers to use of the present invention to convey product, and theinvention can be utilized to convey a wide variety of product (e.g.,seed, fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, etc.) and is not limiting on theinvention. In addition, the type and size of the product (e.g., soybean,corn, cereal grains, fertilizer, herbicide, etc.) can vary.

FIG. 1 illustrates an inductor assembly 10 of a product conveyancesystem in accordance with present invention configured to be pulled by atow vehicle (not shown) in a forward direction of travel (illustrated byarrow 12). The exemplary embodiment of the product conveyance system isa planting implement that includes a conventional air cart 14 incombination with a planter 16 (FIG. 2). The air cart 14 generallyincludes a main or central storage hopper 18, and a pressurized orforced air source 20. The forced air source 20 (e.g., blower fan, etc.)is operable to provide a stream of pressurized air (illustrated by arrow22) to the inductor assembly 10. Although the inductor assembly 10 isillustrated in combination with an air cart 14 and a planter 16, it isunderstood that the type and configuration of the planting implement canvary. For example, the inductor assembly 10 can be mounted with theforced air source 20 on the planter 16.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the inductor assembly 10 is generallyconfigured to direct or guide the stream of forced air (shown by arrow22) provided from the forced air source 20 into a path that engages theproduct fed from the storage hopper 18. The forced air stream conveyedfrom the forced air source 20 into to the inductor assembly 10pressurizes the inductor assembly 10, as well as agitates the productaccumulating in the inductor assembly 10. The turbulence of the forcedair stream agitates the accumulation of the product, separating andentraining the product into the air stream.

The forced air stream also creates a vacuum in the inductor assembly 10such that the combined stream of forced air and entrained product shownby arrow 22 is swept toward and into one or more distribution lines 24that lead to the planter 16 (FIG. 2). The planter 16 includes adistribution or receiver header 26 in communication with one or moreplanting units 28 (See FIG. 2). The distribution lines 24 will typicallyhave varying lengths to accommodate the variable spacing of the plantingunits 28 from the storage hopper 18. The planting unit 28 generallyincludes a receiver or mini-hopper 30. The individual seed productremains suspended or entrained in the air stream while passing throughthe receiver header 26 to the planting unit 28. In another embodiment ofthe planter 16, the combined stream of forced air and entrained productmay pass from the one or more distribution lines 24 directly to one ormore planting units 28. In a known manner, the air bleeds off through anair vent (not shown) at the planting unit 28, and the entrainedindividual seed product falls by gravity into a second pile or mass atthe receiver or mini hopper 30. The planting unit 28 is thereafteroperable to singulate the product for application into a furrow in theground.

Although the illustrated inductor assembly 10 is shown mounted on theair cart 14, the inductor assembly 10, the hopper 18, and/or the forcedair source or combination thereof can be mounted on the planter 16 andis not limiting on the invention.

At the inductor assembly 10, the product is suspended and carried awayby the forced air stream only when the velocity of the forced air streamis above the minimum carrying velocity to entrain the product in theair. A forced air stream velocity below the minimum carrying velocitywill allow gravity to deposit or remove the product from the air stream.

The inductor assembly 10 generally includes an inductor housing 32configured to enclose a series of inductor segments 34. As shown in FIG.4, the inductor housing 32 is mounted underneath and in flowcommunication with the storage hopper 18 of the air cart 14. Thepreferred inductor housing 32 generally includes an air inlet 36 toreceive the forced air stream 22 from the forced air source 20. As shownin FIG. 3, an access door 38 is pivotally coupled to allow access to theinterior of the inductor housing 32, as well as to empty the contents ofthe inductor housing 32. The access door 38 is pivotally mounted by apivot pin 40 located at the rearward end of the inductor housing 32. Alow profile latch mechanism 42 is provided to selectively secure theaccess door 38 in a closed position against the inductor housing 32. Insecuring the access door 38 in the closed position the latch mechanism42 is configured to engage structure 44 mounted on the access door 38.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-6, the series of inductor segments 34 arelocated side-by-side along a lateral width of the inductor housing 32.Each inductor segment 34 in combination with the housing 32 defines anozzle region 46 that directs the forced air stream along a flow paththat tangentially engages the pile of product supplied from the hopper18 at the rearward end of the series of inductor segments 34, relativeto the forward direction of travel.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the forced air stream 22 received at theinlet 36 of the inductor assembly 10 is spread across the entire seriesinductor segments 34. The nozzle regions 46 defined by the inductorsegments 34 generally split the air stream 22 at the general locationwhere the product is delivered from the storage hopper 18 of the aircart 14 to the inductor assembly 10. Optionally, a vane, such as thatdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,029, may be located forward of thenozzle regions 46 of the inductor segments 34 and positioned at an anglewith respect to horizontal. U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,029 teaches that a vanemay enhance the smooth transition of the flow path of the forced airstream from the inductor inlet 36 toward the pile of product thatenhances the air to product ratio, and thereby enhances the efficiencyof the forced air stream in suspending the product in the forced airstream.

Each inductor segment 34 generally includes a first product tube 48 anda second product tube 50. The first product tube 48 includes a firstinlet 52 and a first outlet 54, and the second product tube 50 includesa second inlet 56 and a second outlet 58. The outlets 54 and 58 of thefirst and second product tubes 48 and 50, respectively, are connected inflow communication with distribution lines that lead to associatedreceiver headers 26 and receivers 30 (see FIG. 2). The first and secondproduct tubes 48 and 50 of each inductor segment 34 thereby split theair and entrained product flow to different receivers 30 associated withthe respective distribution lines 24 connected to the first and secondproduct tubes 48 and 50. The first and second product tubes 48 and 50thus prevent a crossover of the combined stream of forced air andentrained product between the different distribution lines 24 andassociated receivers 30. The split or division of the combined stream offorced air and product by each inductor assembly 34 enhances operationof the receivers 30 because each distribution line 24 is operable to runat different times, depending on demand as represented by the level ofthe product amassed at the associated receiver 30. The forced air streamis split in accordance to the demand of the respective receivers 30, asthe forced stream of air tends to go to the inductor segments 34 andassociated distribution lines 24 in communication with receivers 30having a lower airflow resistance.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a cross-sectional area of each of the firstand second product tubes 48 and 50, respectively, is greater relative toa cross-sectional area of the associated distribution lines 24. Thereby,the velocity of the combined stream of forced air and product increasesupon entering the distribution line 24 above the minimum carryingvelocity of the product so as maintain suspension of the product in theforced air stream through the distribution line 24 to the receiver 30(See FIG. 2).

The first and second product tubes 48 and 50 of each inductor segment 34direct the air and entrained product stream with relatively smalldirectional changes so as to enhance the efficiency to the forced airsource 20. The first product tube 48 and the second product tube 50 ofeach inductor segment 34 are generally aligned in a modularconfiguration such that the first inlet 52 of the first product tube 50is adjacent to the second inlet of the second product tube 50, and theoutlet 58 of the second product tube 50 stacks on top of the outlet 54of the first product tube 48. The vertical nature of this modular designof each inductor segment 34 enhances the compactness of the inductorassembly 10. This modular design configuration also allows the inductorassembly 10 to be readily adapted to different widths and numbersassociated with the number of distribution lines 24 and/or receivers 30.The first and second outlets 54 and 58 and respective distribution lines24 attached thereto are stacked in generally vertical pairs thatoptimize space beneath the air cart 14.

In operation, the inlet 36 of the inductor housing 32 of the inductorassembly 10 receives the forced air stream from the forced air source20. The nozzle regions 46 of the series of inductor segments 34 guidethe forced air stream in path toward the pile of product delivered fromthe storage hopper 18. The forced air stream strips away product fromthe pile of product into suspension in the forced air stream, and thestorage hopper 18 replenishes product to the created cavity in the pileof product. The closer to the bottom of the inductor housing 32 that theproduct is stripped away, the more quickly the product is replenished.

If the forced air stream velocity falls below the carrying velocity ofthe product, any seed particles that had been entrained into the slowflowing air stream fall out of the airflow and are dropped back into thepile of product. Thus, the seed particles are picked up and carried bythe air stream only when the velocity of the forced air stream is abovethe minimum carry velocity, thereby allowing the forced air stream toflow without transporting any entrained product into the product tubes48 and 50 of each inductor segment 34.

The distribution or receiver header 26 splits the combined stream of airand product among multiple receivers 30. As an alternate configuration,the combined stream of air and product may be sent directly to thereceivers without being split. The receivers 30 are designed to separatethe product the forced air stream and product and allow the forced airto readily escape when the level of product is below a predeterminedvent level, and limits the amount of the forced air stream to escapewhen the product level is above the predetermined vent level. The moresteady that a rate of the product is induced into the forced air stream,the more reduction in plugging opportunities in the distribution lines24 and the greater the efficiency of the forced air source 20.

The inductor housing 32 has air inlet 36 that receives the forced airstream. The air inlet 36 is in flow communication with an upper airinlet 36(a) and a lower air inlet 36(b). In accordance with onepreferred embodiment, a cover plate 60 is removably mounted to theinductor housing 32 by fasteners 62, which in the illustrated embodimentare wing nuts although; other types of fasteners may be used. When thecover plate 60 is removed, a restrictor plate 64 is exposed, as shown inFIG. 7. The restrictor plate 64 is fitted within the inductor housing 32generally adjacent the lower air inlet 36(b). The restrictor plate 64 isdesigned to restrict air flow through the lower air inlet 36(b). Therestrictor plate may have one of a number of different configurations toaffect the flow of air through the lower air inlet 36(b). In theillustrated embodiment, the restrictor plate 64 has a flange 66 thattapers from one end of the lower air inlet 36(b) to the opposite end ofthe lower air inlet 36(b). Thus, air flow through the lower air inlet36(b) is restricted in a generally linear fashion from one end of thelower air inlet 36(b) to the opposite end of the lower air inlet 36(b).

With additional reference to FIG. 8, one or more of the product tubesmay be fitted with an orifice plate 68 having an opening 70 throughwhich the combined forced air and product stream may pass. The orificeplates(s) 68 are designed to restrict air flow through the producttubes. In one preferred embodiment, orifice plates(s) 68 are fitted toone or more of the first product tubes. That is, product tubes 48associated with shorter distribution lines 24 are fitted with orificeplates to counteract the increased airflow through the shorterdistribution lines relative to the airflow through the longerdistribution lines. In this regard, orifice plate 68(a) may be used tocreate more uniformity in flow rates between the various distributionlines. As shown in FIG. 8, the inlets 52 and 54 each have a recessedseat 72, 74, respectively, against which the orifice plates 68(a) and68(b) sit. Further, it will be appreciated that orifice plate 68(a) hasa smaller opening 70(a) than the opening 70(b) of orifice plate 68(b).Thus, orifice plate 68(a) is more flow restrictive than orifice plate68(b).

It will be appreciated that the orifice plates may be machined with theproduct tube inlets or may take the form of a separate component that isfitted within the inlets. In one preferred embodiment, the inlets have aseat against which the orifice plates sit and a suitable sealant orother fastening means is then used to secure the orifice plate in place.Additionally, it is contemplated that the orifice plates may be removedand replaced with other orifice plates having differently sized openingsto change the flow rate through the product tubes.

The embodiment of the inductor assembly 10 described above is describedin combination with the standard air cart 14 having the hopper 18 andthe pressurized air source 20. Although the above-description referredto the inductor assembly 10 combined with an air cart 14, it isunderstood that the inductor assembly 10 of the present invention isadaptable for use with a stand-alone blower and product storage tank orvessel, as well as adapted for incorporating with other types ofagricultural implements. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment ofthe inductor assembly 10 of the invention can be constructed integrallywith an air cart 14, or as a modular unit that can be coupled to astandard air cart structure to convert the air cart 14 into ainductor-type of planter.

Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that the presentinvention can be used to convey numerous types of products (e.g., seed,fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, etc.) that exhibit suitableproperties for forced air conveyance. Furthermore, the typical air cart14 can be provided with multiple hoppers containing different types ofproducts for application in an agricultural environment. For example,one hopper could have seed product stored therein, while another tankwould have fertilizer and yet another tank could have herbicides orstill another reservoir of fertilizer. In such multi-tankconfigurations, one of the tanks could be provided with the inductorassembly 10 to convey seed product to the planting devices, whileanother inductor assembly 10 is used to control the flow of fertilizeror other product to the planting devices. Thereby, the forced air source20 on the air cart 14 can be used for both fertilizing and seed plantingoperations simultaneously. Furthermore, the combined air cart 14 andinductor assembly 10 can be used to apply the fertilizer or otherproduct at a variable rate as controlled by an electronic controller, asis known for precision farming techniques. Other alternativeconfigurations can include one inductor assembly 10 operable to conveyseed product to all the receivers 30 (e.g., singulator), as well asmultiple inductor assemblies 10 operable to convey seed product to anyone particular receiver 30.

Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof. The scope of these changes willbecome apparent from the appended claims.

1. (canceled)
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 5. (canceled) 6.(canceled)
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 10. (canceled) 11.A product conveyance system for use with an agricultural implement, thesystem comprising: a hopper configured to contain a supply of product; aforced fluid source operable to provide a force fluid stream; a plantingunit configured to apply the product to a plating surface; and aninductor box operable to provide a combined stream of forced fluid andproduct to the planting unit, the inductor box including; a plurality ofinductor segments in fluid communication with the forced fluid sourceand the hopper to receive the combined stream of forced fluid andproduct, wherein each inductor segment comprises a first inlet and afirst outlet and a second inlet and a second outlet; a set of firstconduits and a set of a second conduits, wherein a first conduit is flowcoupled between a first inlet and a first outlet, and a second conduitis flow coupled between a second inlet and a second outlet, and whereinthe first conduit has a first length and the second conduit has a secondlength different from the first length; and wherein one of the firstinlet and the second inlet has an orifice insert that affects a flowrate therethrough such that flow rate through the first and the secondconduits is substantially similar despite a difference in length betweenthe first and the second conduits.
 12. The product system of claim 11wherein the first conduit is longer than the second conduit and whereinthe second inlet has the orifice insert.
 13. The product conveyancesystem of claim 12 wherein the first inlet has a first opening having afirst diameter and the second inlet has a second opening having a seconddiameter substantially equal in dimension to the first diameter, andwherein the orifice plate is configured to be mounted in the secondopening and wherein the orifice insert has a generally disc-shaped bodywith a hole formed in the body and wherein the hole has a hole diameterless than the second diameter.
 14. The product conveyance system ofclaim 13 wherein the orifice insert is integrally formed with the secondinlet.
 15. The product conveyance system of claim 11 wherein theinductor box has an upper air inlet and a lower air inlet in fluidcommunication with the forced fluid stream.
 16. The product conveyancesystem of claim 15 further comprising a restrictor plate removablymounted to the inductor box generally adjacent the lower air inlet andconfigured to create a non-uniform air flow distribution across thelower air inlet.
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. The mobile air cartof claim 16 wherein each orifice plate is removably secured to arespective inlet.
 20. (canceled)